New program available for young local parents

Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry (ABCCM) has begun a new program aimed at helping local young parents find their way out of poverty.

“We’re working with a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor,” says ABCCM Executive Director Rev. Scott Rogers “that will compare success rates for young parents who are offered services either through a normal case management route or through a mentoring-related program called Our Circles.”

Orientation is going on now for new parents aged 16 through 24 who will eventually be randomly selected by a computer to participate in either program. In addition orientations for allies begin shortly at 207 Coxe Ave., Asheville. Lunch will be provided. Please email Rachael.bliss@abccm.org to reserve a spot.

Circles provides assistance from community volunteers (allies) who will be matched with individual young parents, to provide encouragement and wisdom to them as they journey out of poverty.
Participants chosen for the case management group will participate in work readiness classes, and will be assigned case managers to assist them as they pursue individual education and employment plans.

For more information about this project, contact ABCCM at 398-6995, or visit its website at www.abccm.org/ministries/circles.

ABCCM is a family of more than 270 Christian congregations and other groups organized to provide individuals an opportunity to grow, mature and express their faith through fellowship and service in the Asheville-Buncombe Community.